Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Christian Radio

Sometimes, I turn to the Christian talk station to listen to the sermons and discussions, or the advice shows. They are thought-provoking even when I don't quite agree with everything they have to say.
BUT quite often, I turn to the station at the wrong time... apparently... because what I hear has little to nothing to do with the Christianity that Christ preached.
POINT 1: Certain political conversations. I have heard them say that if we are really Christians, we will stand up against the socialist health care system because our government is trying to take control of our lives. I'm sorry, but my take on it was, "we could benefit from some system that offers services to people who otherwise can't obtain or afford it. Whether this particular system needs to be dramatically altered or not is a fair argument, but..." then I realized what I heard: "if I'm really a Christian? So you're saying..." I started shouting at the radio, "HOW DARE YOU SAY I'M NOT A CHRISTIAN!"... so anyway,
POINT 2: The way advertising is done. According to some, as a woman, I need to worry that one day, I will have unsightly wrinkles, and my esteem will be low unless I use this cream. I need to do something about my teeth because, obviously, they aren't up to par. I need to.... Apparently, God messed up when he made me, but if I do x, y, and z, I can fix it and feel okay going out in public once again. God may have clothed the birds, but we must take care of ourselves. Well, I understand that a message of, "God made you beautiful just the way you are" isn't going to sell much, but don't bring down our esteem. We are God's children, they should know better. If they want to sell and fit into the identity of Christian, the message needs to be, "if you want to look even better."- well that could be playing on vanity, but at least it's not bullying.
POINT 3: The degree to which certain talk shows emphasize the importance of money and financial security. Of investing it appropriately. Of saving it.... all for the benefit, as I said, of financial security. Sometimes, they seem to forget that spending it to help others, or taking a low-paying job because that's where you're called to be are also valuable. I like Stuff, but what is the value of Stuff? Such talk-shows have a way of coming across as promoting materialism. They say we need to be financially secure. I like security. But what about trusting God? Is it really a need- or just something we would like; Something to make us a little less dependant on God to get us through the month?

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